WO2022119452A1 - Systems and methods related to climbing and assembling tower structures - Google Patents

Systems and methods related to climbing and assembling tower structures Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022119452A1
WO2022119452A1 PCT/NO2021/050251 NO2021050251W WO2022119452A1 WO 2022119452 A1 WO2022119452 A1 WO 2022119452A1 NO 2021050251 W NO2021050251 W NO 2021050251W WO 2022119452 A1 WO2022119452 A1 WO 2022119452A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support structure
climber
crane
tower
support
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2021/050251
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Olav Haughom
Original Assignee
Wind Spider As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wind Spider As filed Critical Wind Spider As
Publication of WO2022119452A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022119452A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/10—Assembly of wind motors; Arrangements for erecting wind motors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
    • B66C23/20—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures
    • B66C23/207—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures with supporting couples provided by wind turbines
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/34—Arrangements for erecting or lowering towers, masts, poles, chimney stacks, or the like
    • E04H12/342—Arrangements for stacking tower sections on top of each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F05B2230/61—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a climber for ascending or descending a support structure, a system for assembling or disassembling a support structure and/or a tower structure, methods of ascending and descending support structures, assembling and disassembling support structures and assembling and disassembling tower structures.
  • Wind turbines are utilised for producing electrical energy and the development of such turbines has moved from small onshore wind turbines to more complicated fixed and floating offshore turbines. As turbines have grown in size, the challenge and costs connected to the installation and maintenance have increased considerably.
  • the assembly of wind turbines is generally performed by using large cranes which are erected at the wind turbine and lift components weighing up to 1 megagram into place. These cranes are extremely large and extremely expensive. The problem is complicated further when floating wind turbines are installed, as both the wind turbine and the crane are floating and therefore affected by waves and wind.
  • Wind turbines are used as one example, however the problems posed when constructing large and particularly tall structures spans many industries. As a nonlimiting example, similar issues are presented with assembly and maintenance of tall buildings where cranes are often required to lift heavy objects at great heights.
  • At least one aim of the invention is to obviate or at least mitigate one or more drawbacks associated with prior art.
  • a climber for ascending or descending a support structure.
  • the climber comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises a first part engagement means for selectively securing the first part to the support structure and a second part movement means for axially moving the second part relative to the first part.
  • the second part comprises a second part engagement means for selectively securing the second part to the support structure and a first part movement means for axially moving the first part relative to the second part.
  • the first and second parts are configured to move axially relative to each other from a collapsed configuration where the first and second parts mostly overlap to an expanded configuration where the first and second parts mostly do not overlap and from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.
  • the first part may be an inner part and the second part may be an outer part.
  • the first part may be an outer part and the second part may be an inner part.
  • the first part engagement means may comprise a first part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
  • the second part engagement means may comprise a second part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
  • the second part movement means may comprise a first winch and a second part lifting wire, wherein the second part lifting wire is attached to the second part and operatively attached to the first winch such that the first winch, in use, can: reel in the second part lifting wire to lift the second part; and reel out the second part lifting wire to lower the second part.
  • the first winch may be located at an upper portion of the first part.
  • the first part movement means may comprise a second winch and a first part lifting wire, wherein the first part lifting wire is attached to the first part and operatively attached to the second winch such that the second winch, in use, can: reel in the first part lifting wire to lift the first part; and reel out the first part lifting wire to lower the first part.
  • the second winch may be located at a bottom portion of the second part.
  • the second part may further comprise a wire support member, e.g. a roller, located at an upper portion of the second part.
  • the first part lifting wire may run from the second winch over the wire support member to the first part.
  • a system for assembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively insert support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure.
  • a system for disassembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights comprising: a climber according the first aspect of the invention; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively remove support structure columns inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure.
  • a system for assembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns
  • the system comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: insert one or more support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure; and stack column sections of the tower during assembly of the tower.
  • a system for disassembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns
  • the system comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: remove one or more support structure columns from inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure; and remove column sections of the tower during disassembly of the tower.
  • a method of climbing a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a climber according to the first aspect of the invention in the expanded configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; lifting the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; releasing the first part from the support structure using the first part engagement means; lifting the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means.
  • a method of descending a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a climber according to the first aspect of the invention in the expanded configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; lowering the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; releasing the second part from the support structure using the second part engagement means; lowering the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means.
  • a method of assembling a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the second aspect of the invention; alternatingly: inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure; and ascending the support structure using the climber.
  • a method of disassembling a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the third aspect of the invention; alternatingly: descending the support structure using the climber; and removing at least one support column from the support structure inside the climber from a stacked configuration with another support column, using the crane.
  • a method of assembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the fourth aspect of the invention; alternatingly: inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure and ascending the support structure using the climber; stacking a column section of the tower into engagement with another column section of the tower using the crane to form a tower structure.
  • a method of disassembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the fifth aspect of the invention; alternatingly: removing a column section of the tower structure from engagement with another column section of the tower structure to disassemble the tower structure; descending the support structure using the climber and removing at least one support column inside the climber from engagement with another support column using the crane, to disassemble the support structure.
  • a climber according to the first aspect of the invention for climbing a support structure.
  • a thirteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a use of a system according to the second or third aspects of the invention for assembling or disassembling a support structure.
  • a fourteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a use of a system according to the fourth aspect of the invention for assembling a tower structure and a support structure.
  • a fifteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a use of a system according to a fifth aspect of the invention for disassembling a tower and a support structure.
  • the support structure may be freestanding.
  • the crane may be rotationally supported around a central vertical axis.
  • the crane may be supported with a bolt connection and may be rotatable by means of cylinders.
  • the support structure may be a load bearing column.
  • Figure 1 shows an onshore wind turbine
  • Figure 2 shows a floating offshore wind turbine
  • Figure 3 shows a foundation portion of a wind turbine
  • Figure 4 shows a climber and a crane for constructing a tower
  • Figure 5 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use building a support column structure
  • Figure 6 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use building a support column structure and a vertical column of a wind turbine
  • Figure 7 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use completing building a support column structure and a vertical column of a wind turbine;
  • Figure 8 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use lifting a nacelle and hub of a wind turbine onto a vertical column of a wind turbine;
  • Figure 9 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use lifting a turbine blade for connection to a hub of a wind turbine;
  • Figure 10 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use descending a support column structure after assembling a wind turbine
  • Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the climber of Figure 4.
  • Figure. 12 shows a cross-section view of an upper portion of the climber of Figure 4.
  • Figure. 13 shows a cross-section view of a lower portion of the climber of Figure 4.
  • Figure. 14 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration
  • Figure. 15 shows a cross-section view of the climber of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration.
  • a wind turbine 100 is shown assembled on land 200.
  • the turbine 100 comprises a foundation portion 101 and multiple column sections 102, 103, 104, 105 which are arranged end-to-end in a standing configuration to form a vertical column 106.
  • a nacelle 107 At the top of the vertical column 106 there is a nacelle 107, a hub 108 and a plurality of turbine blades 109.
  • a floating wind turbine 100’ is shown with many of the same features as the wind turbine 100 of Figure 1. Like features are marked with the same reference numeral followed by “ ’ ”.
  • the foundation 10T is a floating foundation which is submerged in water. Multiple column sections 102’, 103’, 104’, 105’ are arranged end-to-end in a standing configuration to form a vertical column 106’. At the top of the vertical column 106’ there are the same components as in the wind turbine 100 in Figure 1.
  • the wind turbine 100’ is anchored to the seabed using anchor lines 110’.
  • FIG. 3 To assist in the assembly of a wind turbine, a method of assembling is shown in Figures 3 to 10. Further details of the apparatus used is provided with reference to later figures. Firstly, further details of the foundation 101 are provided with reference to Figure 3.
  • the foundation 101 is configured to securely hold a vertical column 106 of the wind turbine during and after construction in a turbine column template 111 sized and configured to register with the lowermost column section 102 of the vertical column 106.
  • the foundation 101 is configured to securely hold a lowermost support column (not shown in Figure 3) of a support column structure during construction of the support column structure in a support structure template 112 sized and configured to register with the lowermost support column of the support structure.
  • the lowermost support column may fit inside the support structure template 112.
  • the lowermost support column is attached to a flange on the support structure template 112.
  • the foundation 101 further comprises slots 113, 114 which are configured to hold stabilising beams, as will be described with respect to later drawings.
  • a climber 500 is attached to the support structure template 112 by attaching the climber 500 to a flange of the support structure template 112.
  • the climber 500 has a lower end 501 and an upper end 502.
  • a rotatable crane 600 is secured to the upper end 502 of the climber 500.
  • the crane 600 comprises a crane boom 601, a crane winch 602 operatively arranged with a cable 603 over rollers 604 such that the winch 602 can be used to lift components using the cable 603.
  • the skilled person will understand that other items such as attachment shackles etc may be present to provide a means for lifting.
  • the climber 500 is optionally provided with stabilising beams 503, 504 which are arranged horizontally and mounted into the slots 113, 114 shown in Figure 3.
  • the stabilising beams 503, 504 are attached to the upper end 502 of the climber 500 by stabilising cables 505, 506 which are operatively received in winches 507, 508 on the stabilising beams.
  • This described configuration of stabilising beams 503, 504, stabilising cables 505, 506 and winches 507, 508 provides stiffness to the support structure, particularly when the support structure becomes tall and when lifting large and/or heavy components with the crane 600.
  • the crane 600 is used to lift a first support column 401 into the climber 500 and position the second support column 402 in a stacked configuration with the first support column 401 , thereby beginning construction of a support structure 400, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the climber 500 is able to move upwards once another support column has been added, and then add another support column thereafter, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the first support column 401 and second support column 402 are securely attached by any known suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, a bolted connection.
  • the climber 500 climbs the support structure 400 such that the crane 600 is in an elevated position for performing work.
  • the crane 600 then lifts the lowermost column section102 of the vertical column 106 onto or into the turbine column template 111 to begin construction of the vertical column 106, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the climber 500 lifts further support columns 403, 404 to continue building and climbing the support column structure 400.
  • the process of alternatingly building the support column structure 400 and the vertical column 106 is made possible by the ability of the climber 500 to climb the support column structure 400 as the support column structure 400 is being built.
  • the support column structure 400 and vertical column 106 are tall structures, comprising a plurality of support columns and column sections, respectively, as shown in Figure 7.
  • the nacelle 107 and hub 108 are lifted by the crane 600 into attachment with the vertical column 106 as shown in Figure 8. Thereafter, the turbine blades 109 are lifted by the crane 600 into attachment with the hub 108, as shown in Figure 9, thereby completing assembly of the wind turbine 100.
  • the support column structure 400 is then dismantled in a reverse manner to that in which it was constructed.
  • the crane 600 is successively used to remove the highest remaining support column 409 in the support column structure 400, as the climber 500 climbs down the support column structure 400 as it is dismantled. More specifically, the climber 500 moves down the support column structure 400 such that the highest remaining support column 409 is located above the climber 500 and positioned such that the crane 600 can lift the highest remaining support column 409. The highest remaining support column 409 is then detached from the adjacent support column 408 therebelow, and lifted by the crane 600. This process is repeated until the support column structure 400 is completely dismantled.
  • the climber 500 comprises an inner part 510 and an outer part 520.
  • the inner part 510 and outer part 520 are concentrically arranged around the support column structure 400 (not shown in Figure 11).
  • the inner part 510 and outer part 520 are configured such that they can move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, as will now be explained.
  • the inner part 510 comprises a first winch 511 and the outer part 520 comprises a second winch 521.
  • the first and second winches 511 , 521 are used to move outer and inner parts 520, 510 respectively.
  • the first winch 511 is configured with an outer part lifting wire (not shown in Figure 11) operatively attached to the first winch 511 and the top of the outer part 520.
  • the second winch 521 is configured with an inner part lifting wire (not shown in Figure 11) operatively attached via a roller 524 to the second winch 521 and the bottom of the inner part 510, as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 15.
  • roller is intended to mean any component which allows the lifting wire to freely run over it, and can change the direction of the lifting wire as it runs over it, as the roller 524 of the presently described example does.
  • FIG 12 shows the climber 500 and crane 600 in use building the support column structure 400.
  • the climber 500 is shown arranged around a sixth support column 406 which is joined by a flange connection 700 to a seventh support column 407.
  • a flange connection 700 to a seventh support column 407.
  • circular flanges are shown in the described examples, it will be understood that the flanges connecting the support columns may not necessarily be circular all the around.
  • the crane 600 comprises a frame 605 attached to a toothed rim 606 and a motor 607.
  • the frame 605 is supported in the inner part 510 with a bearing 608.
  • the frame 605 is configured to rotate in the inner part 510 such that the crane 600 can rotate around the vertical axis to turn and lift support columns 401 , 402, 403, 404 and column sections 102, 103, 104, into position on the support column structure 400 and vertical column 106, respectively.
  • the inner part 510 is anchored to the flange connection 700 by an inner part lug 513.
  • Figure 13 which shows the climber 500 in use building the support column structure 400.
  • the climber 500 is arranged around a fourth support column 404 which is joined by a flange connection 701 to a fifth support column 405.
  • the outer part 520 is anchored to the flange connection 701 by an outer part lug 523.
  • the inner part lug 513 shown in Figure 12 and the outer part lug 523 shown in Figure 13 can be configured to be moved radially into secure engagement in the respective flange connections 700, 701 by a hydraulic or an electric actuator (not shown).
  • a hydraulic or an electric actuator not shown
  • the inner part lug 512 and outer part lug 523 securely engage in the flange connections, 700, 701
  • the flange connections 700, 701 may be replaced by dedicated components for allowing engagement of the lugs 512, 523 to the support column structure 400.
  • dedicated hangoff formations may be provided on the support column structure 400.
  • the ability of the climber 500 to climb or descend the support column structure 400 is now explained.
  • the configuration of the inner and outer parts 510, 520 such that they can move longitudinally with respect to each other allows the climber 500 to telescope between a collapsed configuration (shown in Figure 11) where the inner and outer parts 510, 520 mostly overlap, to an expanded configuration (shown in Figure 14), where the inner and outer parts 510, 520 mostly do not overlap.
  • This allows the length of the climber 500 to increase and decrease, which allows the climber 500 to climb and descend the support column structure 400.
  • Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the climber 500 in the expanded configuration.
  • the inner part 510 comprises a first winch 511 configured with an outer part lifting wire 512 operatively attached to the first winch 511 and the top of the outer part 520.
  • the outer part 520 comprises a second winch 521 configured with an inner part lifting wire 522 operatively attached to the second winch
  • the climber 500 is in an expanded configuration.
  • the outer part lug 523 needs to be disengaged from a flange connection, if the outer part lug 523 is engaged in a flange connection.
  • the first winch 511 is then activated to reel in the outer part lifting wire 512, thereby lifting the outer part 520 upwards.
  • the second winch 521 is set to allow the inner part lifting wire
  • the outer part lug 523 can be activated to anchor the outer part 520 to the flange connection.
  • the upper part lug 513 can then be disengaged from a flange connection.
  • the second winch 521 is then activated to reel in the inner part lifting wire 522, thereby lifting the inner part 510 upwards.
  • the inner part lug 513 can be activated to anchor the inner part 510 to the flange connection.
  • the climber 500 is then back in the expanded configuration shown in Figure 15, but has climbed the support structure.
  • the inner part lug 513 needs to be disengaged from a flange connection, if the inner part lug 513 is engaged in a flange connection.
  • the second winch 521 is then activated to reel out the inner part lifting wire 522, thereby lowering the inner part 510 downwards.
  • the first winch 521 is set to reel in the outer part lifting wire 512 as the second winch 521 reels out the inner part lifting wire 522.
  • the inner part lug 513 can be activated to anchor the inner part 510 to the flange connection.
  • the outer part lug 523 can then be disengaged from a flange connection.
  • the first winch 511 is then activated to reel out the outer part lifting wire 512, thereby lowering the outer part 522 downwards.
  • the outer part lug 523 can be activated to anchor the outer part 520 to the flange connection.
  • the climber 500 is then back in the expanded configuration shown in Figure 15, but has descended the support structure.
  • the climber 500 is circular or substantially circular in form, i.e. the climber 500 has a circumference.
  • the components of the climber 500 used to move the inner and outer parts 510, 520 relative to each other may also be circular and located around the circumference of the climber 500.
  • the plurality of components may be located around the circumference of the climber 500 in an evenly spaced configuration.
  • the climber 500 is also described as one component which is circular and continuous. In some examples, the climber 500 may be provided in smaller segments, such as 180 degree segments, or 90 degree segments.
  • the outer part lifting wire 512 and inner part lifting wire 522 may comprise any suitable material for lifting large heavy objects, such as steel wire, rope, composites etc.
  • the inner part 510 and outer part 520 are provided with slotted sides in the examples shown to provide lighter inner and outer parts 510, 520 to make lifting easier. It will be understood that the inner and outer parts 510, 520 may be provided without slots, or with additional slots or other features to aid weight reduction.
  • the foundation portion 101 shown may be adapted to be integrated into the foundation 10T of the floating wind turbine 100’.
  • the foundation 10T may be configured to securely hold a vertical column 106’ of the floating wind turbine 100’ during and after construction in a turbine column template similar to the turbine column template 111 and sized and configured to register with the lowermost column section 102’ of the vertical column 106’.
  • the foundation 10T may be configured to securely hold a lowermost support column of a support column structure during construction of the support column structure in a support structure template similar to the support structure template 112, and sized and configured to register with the lowermost support column of the support structure.
  • the foundation 10T may further comprises slots similar to slots 113, 114 which are configured to hold stabilising beams to be arranged horizontally and mounted into the slots.
  • the foundation 10T may be provided at sea, with the vertical column 106’ and support column structure (not shown) being built at sea.
  • the above-mentioned examples describe equipment which can be used to provide a robust method of assembly of such structures in a cost effective manner. Furthermore, the above-mentioned examples also allow a smaller diameter support structure to be used to build a much larger diameter tower, for example a large wind turbine tower. The equipment described above therefore does not need to be excessively large in diameter, as it is only required to climb the support structure rather than the tower it is building.

Abstract

A climber (500) for ascending or descending a support structure (400), the climber (500) comprising: a first part (510); a second part (520); wherein the first part (510) comprises a first part engagement means (513) for selectively securing the first part (510) to the support structure (400) and a second part movement means (511) for axially moving the second part (520) relative to the first part (510); and the second part (520) comprises a second part engagement means (523) for selectively securing the second part (520) to the support structure (400) and a first part movement means (521) for axially moving the first part (510) relative to the second part (520); wherein the first and second parts (510, 520) are configured to move axially relative to each other from a collapsed configuration where the first and second parts (510, 520) mostly overlap to an expanded configuration where the first and second parts (510, 520) mostly do not overlap and from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED TO CLIMBING AND ASSEMBLING TOWER STRUCTURES
FIELD
The present invention relates to a climber for ascending or descending a support structure, a system for assembling or disassembling a support structure and/or a tower structure, methods of ascending and descending support structures, assembling and disassembling support structures and assembling and disassembling tower structures.
BACKGROUND
Civil engineering and infrastructure projects continue to grow in size and expand to remote locations. Particularly, there has been significant growth in both the use and size of wind turbines, and they are being installed in ever more remote locations such as at sea and in remote areas on land.
Wind turbines are utilised for producing electrical energy and the development of such turbines has moved from small onshore wind turbines to more complicated fixed and floating offshore turbines. As turbines have grown in size, the challenge and costs connected to the installation and maintenance have increased considerably.
The assembly of wind turbines is generally performed by using large cranes which are erected at the wind turbine and lift components weighing up to 1 megagram into place. These cranes are extremely large and extremely expensive. The problem is complicated further when floating wind turbines are installed, as both the wind turbine and the crane are floating and therefore affected by waves and wind.
There is a need for a more cost-effective way of installing wind turbines both onshore and offshore. Additionally, maintenance operations performed on the wind turbine often require a crane to reach to near the top of the wind turbine where the blades, nacelle and hub are located.
Wind turbines are used as one example, however the problems posed when constructing large and particularly tall structures spans many industries. As a nonlimiting example, similar issues are presented with assembly and maintenance of tall buildings where cranes are often required to lift heavy objects at great heights.
At least one aim of the invention is to obviate or at least mitigate one or more drawbacks associated with prior art. SUMMARY
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a climber for ascending or descending a support structure. The climber comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises a first part engagement means for selectively securing the first part to the support structure and a second part movement means for axially moving the second part relative to the first part. The second part comprises a second part engagement means for selectively securing the second part to the support structure and a first part movement means for axially moving the first part relative to the second part. The first and second parts are configured to move axially relative to each other from a collapsed configuration where the first and second parts mostly overlap to an expanded configuration where the first and second parts mostly do not overlap and from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.
The first part may be an inner part and the second part may be an outer part. The first part may be an outer part and the second part may be an inner part. The first part engagement means may comprise a first part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
The second part engagement means may comprise a second part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
The second part movement means may comprise a first winch and a second part lifting wire, wherein the second part lifting wire is attached to the second part and operatively attached to the first winch such that the first winch, in use, can: reel in the second part lifting wire to lift the second part; and reel out the second part lifting wire to lower the second part.
The first winch may be located at an upper portion of the first part.
The first part movement means may comprise a second winch and a first part lifting wire, wherein the first part lifting wire is attached to the first part and operatively attached to the second winch such that the second winch, in use, can: reel in the first part lifting wire to lift the first part; and reel out the first part lifting wire to lower the first part.
The second winch may be located at a bottom portion of the second part.
The second part may further comprise a wire support member, e.g. a roller, located at an upper portion of the second part. The first part lifting wire may run from the second winch over the wire support member to the first part.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for assembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights, the system comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively insert support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provide a system for disassembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights, the system comprising: a climber according the first aspect of the invention; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively remove support structure columns inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for assembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns, the system comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: insert one or more support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure; and stack column sections of the tower during assembly of the tower.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for disassembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns, the system comprising: a climber according to the first aspect of the invention; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: remove one or more support structure columns from inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure; and remove column sections of the tower during disassembly of the tower.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of climbing a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a climber according to the first aspect of the invention in the expanded configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; lifting the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; releasing the first part from the support structure using the first part engagement means; lifting the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of descending a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a climber according to the first aspect of the invention in the expanded configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; lowering the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; releasing the second part from the support structure using the second part engagement means; lowering the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the second aspect of the invention; alternatingly: inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure; and ascending the support structure using the climber.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of disassembling a support structure comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the third aspect of the invention; alternatingly: descending the support structure using the climber; and removing at least one support column from the support structure inside the climber from a stacked configuration with another support column, using the crane.
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the fourth aspect of the invention; alternatingly: inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure and ascending the support structure using the climber; stacking a column section of the tower into engagement with another column section of the tower using the crane to form a tower structure.
According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of disassembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the fifth aspect of the invention; alternatingly: removing a column section of the tower structure from engagement with another column section of the tower structure to disassemble the tower structure; descending the support structure using the climber and removing at least one support column inside the climber from engagement with another support column using the crane, to disassemble the support structure.
According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a climber according to the first aspect of the invention for climbing a support structure.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a system according to the second or third aspects of the invention for assembling or disassembling a support structure.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a system according to the fourth aspect of the invention for assembling a tower structure and a support structure.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of a system according to a fifth aspect of the invention for disassembling a tower and a support structure.
The support structure may be freestanding.
The crane may be rotationally supported around a central vertical axis.
The crane may be supported with a bolt connection and may be rotatable by means of cylinders.
The support structure may be a load bearing column.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an onshore wind turbine;
Figure 2 shows a floating offshore wind turbine;
Figure 3 shows a foundation portion of a wind turbine;
Figure 4 shows a climber and a crane for constructing a tower;
Figure 5 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use building a support column structure;
Figure 6 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use building a support column structure and a vertical column of a wind turbine; Figure 7 shows the climber of Figure 4, in use completing building a support column structure and a vertical column of a wind turbine;
Figure 8 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use lifting a nacelle and hub of a wind turbine onto a vertical column of a wind turbine;
Figure 9 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use lifting a turbine blade for connection to a hub of a wind turbine;
Figure 10 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4, in use descending a support column structure after assembling a wind turbine;
Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the climber of Figure 4;
Figure. 12 shows a cross-section view of an upper portion of the climber of Figure 4;
Figure. 13 shows a cross-section view of a lower portion of the climber of Figure 4;
Figure. 14 shows the climber and crane of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration; and
Figure. 15 shows a cross-section view of the climber of Figure 4 in an expanded configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1 and 2 - Overview of Wind Turbines
Referring firstly to Figure 1, a wind turbine 100 is shown assembled on land 200. The turbine 100 comprises a foundation portion 101 and multiple column sections 102, 103, 104, 105 which are arranged end-to-end in a standing configuration to form a vertical column 106. At the top of the vertical column 106 there is a nacelle 107, a hub 108 and a plurality of turbine blades 109.
Referring now to Figure 2, a floating wind turbine 100’ is shown with many of the same features as the wind turbine 100 of Figure 1. Like features are marked with the same reference numeral followed by “ ’ ”. In the floating wind turbine 100’ the foundation 10T is a floating foundation which is submerged in water. Multiple column sections 102’, 103’, 104’, 105’ are arranged end-to-end in a standing configuration to form a vertical column 106’. At the top of the vertical column 106’ there are the same components as in the wind turbine 100 in Figure 1. The wind turbine 100’ is anchored to the seabed using anchor lines 110’.
Figures 3 to 10 - Overview of Assembly of Wind Turbines
To assist in the assembly of a wind turbine, a method of assembling is shown in Figures 3 to 10. Further details of the apparatus used is provided with reference to later figures. Firstly, further details of the foundation 101 are provided with reference to Figure 3. The foundation 101 is configured to securely hold a vertical column 106 of the wind turbine during and after construction in a turbine column template 111 sized and configured to register with the lowermost column section 102 of the vertical column 106. Similarly, the foundation 101 is configured to securely hold a lowermost support column (not shown in Figure 3) of a support column structure during construction of the support column structure in a support structure template 112 sized and configured to register with the lowermost support column of the support structure. In some examples the lowermost support column may fit inside the support structure template 112. In some examples and in the described example, the lowermost support column is attached to a flange on the support structure template 112.
The foundation 101 further comprises slots 113, 114 which are configured to hold stabilising beams, as will be described with respect to later drawings.
Referring now to Figure 4, to begin assembly of a support structure, a climber 500 is attached to the support structure template 112 by attaching the climber 500 to a flange of the support structure template 112. The climber 500 has a lower end 501 and an upper end 502. A rotatable crane 600 is secured to the upper end 502 of the climber 500. The crane 600 comprises a crane boom 601, a crane winch 602 operatively arranged with a cable 603 over rollers 604 such that the winch 602 can be used to lift components using the cable 603. The skilled person will understand that other items such as attachment shackles etc may be present to provide a means for lifting. The climber 500 is optionally provided with stabilising beams 503, 504 which are arranged horizontally and mounted into the slots 113, 114 shown in Figure 3. The stabilising beams 503, 504 are attached to the upper end 502 of the climber 500 by stabilising cables 505, 506 which are operatively received in winches 507, 508 on the stabilising beams. This described configuration of stabilising beams 503, 504, stabilising cables 505, 506 and winches 507, 508 provides stiffness to the support structure, particularly when the support structure becomes tall and when lifting large and/or heavy components with the crane 600. The crane 600 is used to lift a first support column 401 into the climber 500 and position the second support column 402 in a stacked configuration with the first support column 401 , thereby beginning construction of a support structure 400, as shown in Figure 5. Features and operation of the crane 600 to perform lifting etc. are not described herein as they are well known by the skilled person. The climber 500 is able to move upwards once another support column has been added, and then add another support column thereafter, as shown in Figure 6. It will be understood that the first support column 401 and second support column 402 are securely attached by any known suitable attachment means such as, but not limited to, a bolted connection.
As will be explained in more detail later, the climber 500 climbs the support structure 400 such that the crane 600 is in an elevated position for performing work. The crane 600 then lifts the lowermost column section102 of the vertical column 106 onto or into the turbine column template 111 to begin construction of the vertical column 106, as shown in Figure 6. Thereafter, the climber 500 lifts further support columns 403, 404 to continue building and climbing the support column structure 400. The process of alternatingly building the support column structure 400 and the vertical column 106 is made possible by the ability of the climber 500 to climb the support column structure 400 as the support column structure 400 is being built. Eventually, the support column structure 400 and vertical column 106 are tall structures, comprising a plurality of support columns and column sections, respectively, as shown in Figure 7.
When the vertical column 106 has been built, the nacelle 107 and hub 108 are lifted by the crane 600 into attachment with the vertical column 106 as shown in Figure 8. Thereafter, the turbine blades 109 are lifted by the crane 600 into attachment with the hub 108, as shown in Figure 9, thereby completing assembly of the wind turbine 100.
The support column structure 400 is then dismantled in a reverse manner to that in which it was constructed. In this connection, as shown in Figure 10, the crane 600 is successively used to remove the highest remaining support column 409 in the support column structure 400, as the climber 500 climbs down the support column structure 400 as it is dismantled. More specifically, the climber 500 moves down the support column structure 400 such that the highest remaining support column 409 is located above the climber 500 and positioned such that the crane 600 can lift the highest remaining support column 409. The highest remaining support column 409 is then detached from the adjacent support column 408 therebelow, and lifted by the crane 600. This process is repeated until the support column structure 400 is completely dismantled. Figures 11 to 15 - Details of Climber
Details of the climber 500 are now explained with reference to Figures 11-15. Firstly referring to Figure 11 , the climber 500 comprises an inner part 510 and an outer part 520. The inner part 510 and outer part 520 are concentrically arranged around the support column structure 400 (not shown in Figure 11). The inner part 510 and outer part 520 are configured such that they can move relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, as will now be explained.
The inner part 510 comprises a first winch 511 and the outer part 520 comprises a second winch 521. The first and second winches 511 , 521 are used to move outer and inner parts 520, 510 respectively. The first winch 511 is configured with an outer part lifting wire (not shown in Figure 11) operatively attached to the first winch 511 and the top of the outer part 520. The second winch 521 is configured with an inner part lifting wire (not shown in Figure 11) operatively attached via a roller 524 to the second winch 521 and the bottom of the inner part 510, as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 15. Although an actual roller 524 is shown in the described example, it will be understood that the term “roller” is intended to mean any component which allows the lifting wire to freely run over it, and can change the direction of the lifting wire as it runs over it, as the roller 524 of the presently described example does.
Referring now to Figure 12 which shows the climber 500 and crane 600 in use building the support column structure 400. The climber 500 is shown arranged around a sixth support column 406 which is joined by a flange connection 700 to a seventh support column 407. Although circular flanges are shown in the described examples, it will be understood that the flanges connecting the support columns may not necessarily be circular all the around.
Further components of the crane 600 can be seen in Figure 12 - the crane 600 comprises a frame 605 attached to a toothed rim 606 and a motor 607. The frame 605 is supported in the inner part 510 with a bearing 608. In this connection, the frame 605 is configured to rotate in the inner part 510 such that the crane 600 can rotate around the vertical axis to turn and lift support columns 401 , 402, 403, 404 and column sections 102, 103, 104, into position on the support column structure 400 and vertical column 106, respectively. Still referring to Figure 12, the inner part 510 is anchored to the flange connection 700 by an inner part lug 513. Referring now to Figure 13 which shows the climber 500 in use building the support column structure 400. The climber 500 is arranged around a fourth support column 404 which is joined by a flange connection 701 to a fifth support column 405. The outer part 520 is anchored to the flange connection 701 by an outer part lug 523.
The inner part lug 513 shown in Figure 12 and the outer part lug 523 shown in Figure 13 can be configured to be moved radially into secure engagement in the respective flange connections 700, 701 by a hydraulic or an electric actuator (not shown). Although in the described example the inner part lug 512 and outer part lug 523 securely engage in the flange connections, 700, 701 , it will be understood that the flange connections 700, 701 may be replaced by dedicated components for allowing engagement of the lugs 512, 523 to the support column structure 400. For example, dedicated hangoff formations may be provided on the support column structure 400.
The ability of the climber 500 to climb or descend the support column structure 400 is now explained. The configuration of the inner and outer parts 510, 520 such that they can move longitudinally with respect to each other allows the climber 500 to telescope between a collapsed configuration (shown in Figure 11) where the inner and outer parts 510, 520 mostly overlap, to an expanded configuration (shown in Figure 14), where the inner and outer parts 510, 520 mostly do not overlap. This allows the length of the climber 500 to increase and decrease, which allows the climber 500 to climb and descend the support column structure 400.
Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the climber 500 in the expanded configuration. As previously described, the inner part 510 comprises a first winch 511 configured with an outer part lifting wire 512 operatively attached to the first winch 511 and the top of the outer part 520. The outer part 520 comprises a second winch 521 configured with an inner part lifting wire 522 operatively attached to the second winch
521 and the bottom of the inner part 510.
In the position shown in Figure 15, the climber 500 is in an expanded configuration. To move the climber 500 up the support column structure 400, firstly the outer part lug 523 needs to be disengaged from a flange connection, if the outer part lug 523 is engaged in a flange connection. The first winch 511 is then activated to reel in the outer part lifting wire 512, thereby lifting the outer part 520 upwards. To allow the outer part 520 to move upwards, the second winch 521 is set to allow the inner part lifting wire
522 to be reeled out as the first winch 511 reels in the outer part lifting wire 512. Once the outer part 520 reaches a flange connection in the support column structure, the outer part lug 523 can be activated to anchor the outer part 520 to the flange connection. The upper part lug 513 can then be disengaged from a flange connection. The second winch 521 is then activated to reel in the inner part lifting wire 522, thereby lifting the inner part 510 upwards. Once the inner part lug 513 reaches a flange connection in the support column structure, the inner part lug 513 can be activated to anchor the inner part 510 to the flange connection. The climber 500 is then back in the expanded configuration shown in Figure 15, but has climbed the support structure.
To move the climber 500 down the support structure when in the expanded configuration shown in Figure 15, firstly the inner part lug 513 needs to be disengaged from a flange connection, if the inner part lug 513 is engaged in a flange connection. The second winch 521 is then activated to reel out the inner part lifting wire 522, thereby lowering the inner part 510 downwards. As the inner part 510 moves downwards, the first winch 521 is set to reel in the outer part lifting wire 512 as the second winch 521 reels out the inner part lifting wire 522. Once the inner part 510 reaches a flange connection in the support column structure, the inner part lug 513 can be activated to anchor the inner part 510 to the flange connection. The outer part lug 523 can then be disengaged from a flange connection. The first winch 511 is then activated to reel out the outer part lifting wire 512, thereby lowering the outer part 522 downwards. Once the outer part lug 523 reaches a flange connection in the support column structure, the outer part lug 523 can be activated to anchor the outer part 520 to the flange connection. The climber 500 is then back in the expanded configuration shown in Figure 15, but has descended the support structure.
It will be understood that the climber 500 is circular or substantially circular in form, i.e. the climber 500 has a circumference. In this regard, the components of the climber 500 used to move the inner and outer parts 510, 520 relative to each other may also be circular and located around the circumference of the climber 500. Alternatively, in some examples, there may be a plurality of the described components around the climber 500. For example, there may be a plurality of first winches 511 , second winches 521, rollers 524, outer part lifting wires 512 and inner part lifting wires 522. The plurality of components may be located around the circumference of the climber 500 in an evenly spaced configuration. In some examples there may be three of each component spaced at 120 degree intervals, or four of each component spaced at 90 degree intervals, for example. The climber 500 is also described as one component which is circular and continuous. In some examples, the climber 500 may be provided in smaller segments, such as 180 degree segments, or 90 degree segments. The outer part lifting wire 512 and inner part lifting wire 522 may comprise any suitable material for lifting large heavy objects, such as steel wire, rope, composites etc. The inner part 510 and outer part 520 are provided with slotted sides in the examples shown to provide lighter inner and outer parts 510, 520 to make lifting easier. It will be understood that the inner and outer parts 510, 520 may be provided without slots, or with additional slots or other features to aid weight reduction.
Offshore application
The above examples described with reference to Figures 3-7 show the support column structure being assembled on land, with the foundation portion 101 placed on land. It will be understood by the skilled person that the foundation portion 101 shown may be adapted to be integrated into the foundation 10T of the floating wind turbine 100’. In this connection, the foundation 10T may be configured to securely hold a vertical column 106’ of the floating wind turbine 100’ during and after construction in a turbine column template similar to the turbine column template 111 and sized and configured to register with the lowermost column section 102’ of the vertical column 106’. Similarly, the foundation 10T may be configured to securely hold a lowermost support column of a support column structure during construction of the support column structure in a support structure template similar to the support structure template 112, and sized and configured to register with the lowermost support column of the support structure. The foundation 10T may further comprises slots similar to slots 113, 114 which are configured to hold stabilising beams to be arranged horizontally and mounted into the slots. In this regard, the foundation 10T may be provided at sea, with the vertical column 106’ and support column structure (not shown) being built at sea.
As engineering projects requiring tower structures continue to grow in size and expand to remote locations, the challenges and costs connected to the installation and maintenance will continue to increase. The above-mentioned examples describe equipment which can be used to provide a robust method of assembly of such structures in a cost effective manner. Furthermore, the above-mentioned examples also allow a smaller diameter support structure to be used to build a much larger diameter tower, for example a large wind turbine tower. The equipment described above therefore does not need to be excessively large in diameter, as it is only required to climb the support structure rather than the tower it is building.

Claims

1. A climber for ascending or descending a support structure, the climber comprising: a first part; a second part; wherein the first part comprises a first part engagement means for selectively securing the first part to the support structure and a second part movement means for axially moving the second part relative to the first part; and the second part comprises a second part engagement means for selectively securing the second part to the support structure and a first part movement means for axially moving the first part relative to the second part; wherein the first and second parts are configured to move axially relative to each other from a collapsed configuration where the first and second parts mostly overlap to an expanded configuration where the first and second parts mostly do not overlap and from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.
2. The climber of claim 1, wherein either: the first part is an inner part and the second part is an outer part; or the first part is an outer part and the second part is an inner part.
3. The climber of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part engagement means comprises a first part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
4. The climber of any preceding claim, wherein the second part engagement means comprises a second part lug configured to engage with a flange connection between two support columns of the support structure.
5. The climber of any preceding claim, wherein the second part movement means comprises a first winch and a second part lifting wire, wherein the second part lifting wire is attached to the second part and operatively attached to the first winch such that the first winch, in use, can: reel in the second part lifting wire to lift the second part; and reel out the second part lifting wire to lower the second part. 6. The climber of claim 5, wherein the first winch is located at an upper portion of the first part.
7. The climber of any preceding claim, wherein the first part movement means comprises a second winch and a first part lifting wire, wherein the first part lifting wire is attached to the first part and operatively attached to the second winch such that the second winch, in use, can: reel in the first part lifting wire to lift the first part; and reel out the first part lifting wire to lower the first part.
8. The climber of claim 7, wherein: the second winch is located at a bottom portion of the second part; the second part further comprises a roller located at an upper portion of the second part; and the first part lifting wire runs from the second winch over the roller to the first part.
9. A system for assembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights, the system comprising: a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively insert support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure.
10. A system for disassembling a support structure to provide crane access to different heights, the system comprising: a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8; and a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and the crane is configured to, in use, successively remove support structure columns inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure. 15 A system for assembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns, the system comprising: a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: insert one or more support structure columns inside the climber during assembly of the support structure; and stack column sections of the tower during assembly of the tower. A system for disassembling a tower structure comprising column sections and a support structure comprising support structure columns, the system comprising: a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8; a crane; wherein the crane is rotatably attached at or near to the top of the climber and configured to, in use, alternatingly: remove one or more support structure columns from inside the climber during disassembly of the support structure; and remove column sections of the tower during disassembly of the tower. A method of climbing a support structure comprising the steps of: a. providing a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8 in the expanded configuration; b. securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; c. lifting the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; d. securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; e. releasing the first part from the support structure using the first part engagement means; f. lifting the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; 16 g. securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means.
14. A method of descending a support structure comprising the steps of: a. providing a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8 in the expanded configuration; b. securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means; c. lowering the first part relative to the second part using the first part movement means to move the climber to the collapsed configuration; d. securing the first part to the support structure using the first part engagement means; e. releasing the second part from the support structure using the second part engagement means; f. lowering the second part relative to the first part using the second part movement means to move the climber to the expanded configuration; g. securing the second part to the support structure using the second part engagement means.
15. A method of assembling a support structure comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to claim 9; b. alternatingly: i. inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure; and ii. ascending the support structure using the climber.
16. A method of disassembling a support structure comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to claim 10; b. alternatingly: i. descending the support structure using the climber; and ii. removing at least one support column from the support structure inside the climber from a stacked configuration with another support column, using the crane. 17 A method of assembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to claim 11 ; b. alternatingly: i. inserting at least one support column inside the climber and into engagement with another support column using the crane to form a support structure and ascending the support structure using the climber; ii. stacking a column section of the tower into engagement with another column section of the tower using the crane to form a tower structure. A method of disassembling a support structure and a tower comprising the steps of: a. providing a system according to claim 12; b. alternatingly: i. removing a column section of the tower structure from engagement with another column section of the tower structure to disassemble the tower structure; ii. descending the support structure using the climber and removing at least one support column inside the climber from engagement with another support column using the crane, to disassemble the support structure. Use of a climber according to any of claims 1 to 8 for climbing a support structure. Use of a system according to claim 9 or 10 for assembling or disassembling a support structure. Use of a system according to claim 11 for assembling a tower structure and a support structure. 18 Use of a system according to claim 12 for disassembling a tower and a support structure.
PCT/NO2021/050251 2020-12-04 2021-12-06 Systems and methods related to climbing and assembling tower structures WO2022119452A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20201356 2020-12-04
NO20201356A NO346457B1 (en) 2020-12-04 2020-12-04 Device and method for use when installing land-based and floating wind turbines

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022119452A1 true WO2022119452A1 (en) 2022-06-09

Family

ID=79425617

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2021/050251 WO2022119452A1 (en) 2020-12-04 2021-12-06 Systems and methods related to climbing and assembling tower structures

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO346457B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022119452A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6868646B1 (en) * 2002-12-13 2005-03-22 Valmont Industries, Inc. Method and means for erecting a wind energy tower
EP1857670A1 (en) * 2006-05-20 2007-11-21 W2E Wind to Energy GmbH Method and system for erecting a wind turbine tower consisting of tower segments
US20080078128A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2008-04-03 Tracy Livingston Lifting system and apparatus for constructing and enclosing wind turbine towers
WO2015114573A1 (en) * 2014-01-31 2015-08-06 Gregory John Neighbours A concrete tower and related formwork and related method of construction
WO2017055598A1 (en) * 2015-10-01 2017-04-06 Lagerwey Wind B.V. Hoisting system for installing a wind turbine

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1008402C2 (en) * 1998-02-24 1999-08-25 Knijpstra Konstr Bv Construction method for tall structures, e.g. wind turbines
DE102016109818A1 (en) * 2016-05-27 2017-11-30 Wobben Properties Gmbh Climbing device for carrying out a movement relative to a tower and method for producing a tower
DK3434639T3 (en) * 2017-07-27 2019-12-09 S&L Access Systems Ab LIFTING CONSTRUCTION TO LIFT COMPONENTS FOR A WINDMILL AND PROCEDURE FOR USING THE LIFTING CONSTRUCTION
DK180818B1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-04-26 Liftra Ip Aps Wind turbine tower with crane connecting elements and a crane with tower flange connecting elements

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6868646B1 (en) * 2002-12-13 2005-03-22 Valmont Industries, Inc. Method and means for erecting a wind energy tower
EP1857670A1 (en) * 2006-05-20 2007-11-21 W2E Wind to Energy GmbH Method and system for erecting a wind turbine tower consisting of tower segments
US20080078128A1 (en) * 2006-10-02 2008-04-03 Tracy Livingston Lifting system and apparatus for constructing and enclosing wind turbine towers
WO2015114573A1 (en) * 2014-01-31 2015-08-06 Gregory John Neighbours A concrete tower and related formwork and related method of construction
WO2017055598A1 (en) * 2015-10-01 2017-04-06 Lagerwey Wind B.V. Hoisting system for installing a wind turbine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO346457B1 (en) 2022-08-22
NO20201356A1 (en) 2022-06-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN108349713B (en) Hoisting system for mounting a wind turbine
EP2374966B1 (en) Method of building a hybrid tower for a wind generator
US8042306B2 (en) System and method for erecting a tower
EP1518053B1 (en) Method and crane for installing, maintaining, and decommissioning wind turbines
JP4701047B2 (en) Wind power tower construction method
US10119522B2 (en) System and method of assembling a wind turbine
EP3019433B1 (en) Assembly and method for lifting loads
EP3314119B1 (en) Method of erecting a tethered wind turbine tower
US8302365B2 (en) Partially self-erecting wind turbine tower
WO2017108049A1 (en) Methods for mounting or dismounting wind turbine components of a multirotor wind turbine
WO2022119452A1 (en) Systems and methods related to climbing and assembling tower structures
EP2604568B2 (en) Combined lifting beam arrangement for wind turbine parts
CN117813250A (en) Improved construction and maintenance of wind turbines
JP2022088204A (en) Disassembly method of offshore tower type wind turbine generator system
WO2023095002A1 (en) Apparatus for assembling wind turbines and method therefor
AU2011201502B8 (en) Method of building a hybrid tower for a wind generator
NO346847B1 (en) Improvements in the construction of wind turbines
AU2022331384A1 (en) Improvements in the construction and maintenance of wind turbines
NO347712B1 (en) A windmill construction and a method for assembly of a windmill construction

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21841041

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 21841041

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1